Just Jinjer in Durbs and Maritzburg

After a decade recording and touring overseas, Just Jinjer recently returned home from their base in Los Angeles, having secured a multi-album international deal with Curb Records in Nashville that will see their music being distributed around the globe.

Consisting of Ard Matthews (vocals/guitar), Brent Harris (drums/vocals) and Denholm Harding (bass/vocals), Just Jinjer has notched up numerous local chart-topping hit songs over the years and achieved two double-platinum albums. In addition, the group has performed and toured alongside the likes of Counting Crows, Stevie Wonder, Def Leppard, Hootie and the Blowfish, Live, U2 and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Little changed

Matthews, the Durban-born-and-raised lead singer, looks little changed from when he and the band first took South Africa by storm over 10 years ago, still with his distinctive dreadlocks in place.

Some of Just Jinjer's new material and US recordings will be available for the first time in South Africa later this month, with the release of an eight-track EP titled “Milk and Honies”. Fans will also be able to hear these new tracks and other old favourites at the band's forthcoming Pietermaritzburg and Durban shows, their first in KwaZulu-Natal in three years.

Golden Horse Casino (December 3)

Advance tickets cost R85 at the Golden Horse Casino and R100 at Computicket. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the night for R120. Gates open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm in the casino's Grandstand area. The Golden Horse Casino is situated at 45 New England Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg. For more information call +27 (0) 33 395 8000.

Northwood Crusaders Sports Club (December 4)

Tickets cost R120 at Computicket and R150 at the gate on the night (subject to availability). Gates open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm. As with the previous Backyard Concerts staged at this venue, the show will be held in a giant marquee. Food and drinks will also be on sale, helping to raise funds for Crusaders to continue developing sport in the community. The Northwood Crusaders Sports Club is situated at 10 Ranleigh Crescent in Durban North (opposite the Fairway Engen garage at the bottom of Swapo Road/Broadway) and has plenty of secure parking. Call +27 (0) 31 563 0824 for more information.